FROM HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Welcome to the Department of Agricultural Extension and Community Development (DAECD). This is one of the six Departments in the College of Agriculture of the Sokoine University of Agriculture established in 1984.

The Department of Agricultural Extension and Community Development formerly known as the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension (DAEE), was established in 1977. It offers programmes in agricultural extension at both undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate (M.Sc. and PhD) levels. Our graduates are mainly employed as extension staff by the public extension service and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Also others are employed as tutors and teachers in middle level colleges/institutes and secondary schools. Currently, there are twenty three academic members of staff and three non-academic members of staff. The Department is reputed for providing high quality education and skills to students besides undertaking innovative, creative and problem-solving researches in extension and agricultural innovations to ensure sustainable utilization and increased uptake of developed and promoted agricultural technologies among farming community members. It is dedicated to bring about scientific advancements and technological uptake in the fields of Agricultural Extension Education and Community Development.

Recently, DAECD completed the review of the current B.Sc. Applied Agricultural Extension (AAE) programme tailored to meet the needs of mid-career front line agricultural extension staff. Furthermore, the process of reviewing the M.Sc. (Agricultural Education and Extension) has started and is expected to be finalized in due course. As was the case with the undergraduate programme this review is intended to develop a programme only focusing on Agricultural Extension. Efforts are also underway to launch a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Community Development which will be followed by developing a new Master programme on Community Economic Development.

The Department has already developed a BA in Community Development to be submitted to the higher authorities for approval. Additionally, the Department runs two kinds of PhD programmes (PhD by research another one by course work known as PhD programme in Agricultural and Rural Innovation Systems (ARIS).

Apart from participating in teaching, DAECD staff have been involved in various research and consultancy activities. Besides, through the Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (UMADEP) based in DAECD, staff have had opportunities to participate in out-reach activities mostly benefitting neighbouring communities. The project has also served as an important placement for practical training for our undergraduate students.

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Who is an Agricultural Extension and Community Development Proffessional ?

Who are they!

Agricultural Extension and Community Development professionals are unique frontiers who can combine skills in those different areas of agricultural and community development initiatives to facilitate evaluation, adoption and continued use of agricultural innovations developed and ensure sustainability of community development initiatives.

They have broad knowledge and technical competencies for understanding situations surrounding the agricultural technologies and innovations utilization within broad based community settings. It takes a person with a profound understanding of the situation and strong technical and social skills to ensure that sensible decisions are made. Someone like you!.

What they can do?

Agricultural extension and community development specialists are expected to pursue occupations involving a rigorous understanding of the invention, development and utilization of various agricultural and community development related technologies.

Further, they are expected to support viable and progressive agricultural and community development initiatives that can keep pace with the ever changing world.

Where they can work?

Agricultural extension and community development specialists are highly needed in training and research institutions, Local Government Authorities (LGAs), Non- Governmental organizations (NGOs) and Community development Initiatives targetingincreased utilization and adoption of agricultural innovationsand ensuring sustainability of initiated and on-going community development programmes and projects.

They can furthermore work in Universities and higher learning institutions and in agricultural and community development related institutions, the Ministry responsible for agriculture including livestock and fisheries and private sectors in the same field.